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Between the Tones
Monthly Newsletter
February 2024
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2024 Summit: Innovation Through Collaboration | |
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🚨🌟2nd Alarm Project's 2nd Annual Summit 🌟🚨
The 2nd Alarm Project welcomes registrations for its Annual First Responder Resiliency Summit, April 24-25, 2024 in Tallahassee, Florida.
The theme of the conference is Innovation Through Collaboration: Shaping the Future of First Responder Mental Wellness. The Summit is a transformative gathering aimed at empowering first responders to foster mental wellness within their own lives and their organizations. Participants will explore innovative approaches to creating a resilient culture; drawing on the collective strength of first responder communities to navigate the unique adversities they face. Through insightful discussions, interactive sessions, and shared experiences, the conference aims to equip first responders with the tools and insights needed to build robust and adaptive frameworks for themselves and their departments.
First responder family members, behavioral health clinicians, and others working to build resiliency among first responders are welcome to attend. Save your seat today.
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Nervous System Resuscitation Webinar | |
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Register Now! 🚨

Join us for this transformative webinar featuring Crystal Little, a 19-year EMS Captain with the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, esteemed yoga teacher, speaker, published author, and entrepreneur.
In this captivating session, Captain Little will share her personal journey and the powerful insights she's gained along the way. Discover how she overcame overwhelming stressors, including her own battle with mental health, to emerge as a beacon of resilience and wellness.
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Register for this upcoming Struggle Well training hosted by Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office, March 27-28.
Struggle Well training is based on the framework of Posttraumatic Growth, which features five phases, and is built on an environment of trust and connection. The objective of Struggle Well Training is to enable participants to prepare, practice, and implement an individualized plan for personal growth by transforming struggle into strength, enabling them to be of continued service to themselves, their family, their work, and their community.
To learn more, email Steve Suarez at SteveSuarez2AP@gmail.com or call 850-879-0286.
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Resources and Skill Building for Clinicians | |
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Last call for registration! 📢
Are you a clinician eager to broaden your understanding and effectiveness when working with first responders?
First responders face unique challenges and stressors in their roles, which may differ significantly from other populations. Clinicians need insight into these challenges to provide effective support. Additionally, standard therapeutic approaches may need adjustments when working with first responders. This training is an opportunity to elevate your clinical practice by recognizing culturally competent approaches and identifying evidence-based strategies in working with the first responder community. Join us for this introductory-level training designed to provide clinicians with an overview of the skills needed to deliver effective, culturally competent, and evidence-based services for the unique needs of first responders.
*Please Note: Participation in this training does not meet the qualification requirements for clinician inclusion on RedLine, BlueLine or GoldLine Rescue. Providers interested in such inclusion must complete the Clinician Awareness Program operated through UCF RESTORES.
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State Level Policies on First Responder Mental Health in the U.S.: A Scoping Review | |
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Congratulations to the 2nd Alarm Project research team for the publication of our recent article: State Level Policies on First Responder Mental Health in the U.S.: A Scoping Review.
Click below to access the article.
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The BHAP toolkit is a free, comprehensive resource designed to provide evidence-informed tools to prioritize mental wellness and resiliency in first responder organizations. The BHAP is recognized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation as a best practice and has now been crafted into a comprehensive toolkit. It's not just a resource; it's a world standard of care for first responders.
Developed in collaboration with our incredible partners, this toolkit equips departments with tangible tools, resources, and strategies to seamlessly integrate the BHAP model into day-to-day operations. So, whether you're looking to implement a comprehensive BHAP or improve an existing program, the First Responder BHAP Toolkit can help get you there.
In collaboration with UCF RESTORES and the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative, and with generous support from The Florida Department of Children and Families, 2nd Alarm Project is proud to bring you this first responder mental wellness resource.
Easily create an account for free access below:
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Don't miss the latest episode of 2nd Alarm Project Radio, where we dive into the topic "First Responders Face Unique Challenges; Here’s How 2AP is Responding." Join the conversation with our Founder and Executive Director of 2nd Alarm Project, Dr. Kellie O'Dare, and Lead Clinician, Michelle Lawrence, as they explore the background of 2nd Alarm Project and the impactful programs aiding first responder communities.
Tune in to the discussion via Spotify, Apple Music, or by accessing the link below.
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So proud and grateful to be a part of the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire Service Day at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee, FL! Thanks to all who participated and attended this fantastic event showcasing the tremendous assets of the Florida Fire Service! | |
Upcoming Peer Support Training | |
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Join us for an upcoming Virtual IAFF Peer Support class May 22-24, 2024 ​​
After completing the training, participants will have the knowledge and skills to provide support to members, have a basic understanding of common behavioral health issues affecting first responders, be able to serve as a bridge to community resources or behavioral health treatment when indicated, and be equipped to build or enhance a peer support program.
Registration closes 5/1/24.
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"Science Size-up" is a platform to share the most recent research related to the mental health of first responders. This month's articles are from Prehospital Emergency Care and Psychological Services. | |
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The Female Emergency Medical Services Experience: A Mixed Methods Study
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a challenging profession. Little is known if there are gender differences in the experiences among EMS clinicians. Therefore, our aim was to understand and characterize the occupational experiences of female EMS clinicians. Approximately 70.0% met the criteria for probable anxiety, 53.9% probable depression and 40.9% elevated symptoms of burnout. Almost 73.0% reported workplace harassment, with most experiences being perpetrated by patients and coworkers. Over 61.0% reported reconsideration of their career in EMS. Overall, survey data indicated interactions with peers and leadership, and social support were positive. Findings highlight the need to improve the occupational experiences of female EMS clinicians to preserve and encourage the continuation of their participation in this workforce. Specifically tailored interventions aimed at protecting and improving their overall wellbeing are critical, particularly considering the increased occupational burden resulting from the pandemic. Future research should aim to understand specific predictors of adverse mental health outcomes among this population.
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Mental Health Treatment for First Responders: An Assessment of Mental Health Provider Needs
First responders experience mental health conditions at a higher rate than the general population. To improve treatment and enhance quality of care, it is important to understand the needs of those who provide mental health treatment to this population. The findings highlighted the importance of identity and culture among first responders, and the need for cultural awareness and understanding among mental health providers working with this population. Various training opportunities which could enhance treatment capacities were identified, including training in accurate assessment and differential diagnosis, evidence-based trauma-focused treatments, transdiagnostic treatments, and working with specific first responder treatment characteristics (e.g., emotional detachment, rigid cognitive styles, and preferences toward structure and order). Ways in which mental health providers can be supported included facilitating professional networks between providers and connection with first responder organizations. The insights gathered from this study provide a foundation from which to consider training and support development for mental health providers working with first responders. Service level implications and directions are outlined to assist future decision making on this topic.
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The 2nd Alarm Project R is a nonprofit organization established to offer comprehensive, evidence-based resiliency initiatives in our first responder communities.
The 2nd Alarm Project was developed for first responders, by first responders in partnership with behavioral health subject matter experts. What began in 2019 as a SAMHSA grant funded program for NW Florida fire service members has grown to serve as a comprehensive resource for first responders in the state of Florida and beyond.
The mission of the 2nd Alarm Project is to proactively enhance the well-being of first responders, their families, and organizations by fostering resilient public safety communities. Through a comprehensive and evidence-based approach, we are dedicated to providing resources, specialized training, and accessible services. Our mission is to equip first responders and their family members with the skills to effectively manage challenges and promote healthier lives, harnessing their inherent strengths. Furthermore, we are committed to strengthening the cohesiveness within responder organizations, and the communities first responders serve. In alignment with our vision, we aim to create a sustainable and transformative impact on the mental well-being of all those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
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Supported [in part] by grant numbers H79FG000149 and 1H79SM084369 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The content does not necessarily reflect the views or polices of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Sponsored by Florida A & M University and [in part] by the State of Florida,
Department of Children and Families.
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© 2023 2nd Alarm Project R | | | | |
